On December 17, the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce joined friends and community members to celebrate the grand reopening of the Bleu Rendezvous French Bistro under its new owners, Laurence and Chef Pierre Bastien.
A Culinary Journey Back to Their Roots
Laurence and Pierre Bastien’s love story began at the Culinary School in Paris, where they met as teenagers. After a decade of working in restaurants and hotels across France, they decided to pursue new careers—Laurence opened an office design company, while Pierre served as a motorcycle police officer.
But their passion for the culinary arts never faded. “Last year, we decided to return to the restaurant industry,” Laurence shared. “We searched for a business to buy in Florida and found this charming French bistro last summer.”
Continuing a Sanibel Tradition
The Bleu Rendezvous was previously owned by Christian and Mari Vivet, who established it as a beloved local gem in 2015. After Hurricane Ian devastated Sanibel in 2022, the Vivets reopened the bistro at a new location but decided to retire after 50 years of dedication to the restaurant industry.
“They made a wonderful transition with us, freshly arrived from Paris in September, proud to continue this French story in Sanibel,” Laurence said.
Chamber President and CEO John Lai praised the Vivets’ legacy and expressed excitement for the bistro’s future:
“The Vivets made Bleu Rendezvous one of Sanibel’s most cherished restaurants. Chef Christian began the tradition of authentic French cuisine, and Chef Pierre is now carrying it forward.”
Visit Bleu Rendezvous
Located at 751 Tarpon Road, Bleu Rendezvous continues to serve authentic French cuisine with its signature charm and elegance. Whether you’re a longtime patron or a first-time visitor, the Bastiens invite you to experience the next chapter of this culinary tradition.
Stop by to celebrate this exciting new era for Bleu Rendezvous French Bistro!
